Fractured: Shadows Landing: The Townsends #6

by Kathleen Brooks

Where danger hides behind charm, love might be the most dangerous risk of all.

Dr. Rowan Townsend has built a reputation as the country’s top pediatric surgeon. He’s known for taking the hardest cases and never walking away from a family in need. Relentless days and unending nights have left Rowan burnt out and alone. Luckily, he’d moved to the small town of Shadows Landing, where his family makes sure he can relax every once in a while. His elder brother is pushing Rowan to find love, but how does Rowan have time to find love when he doesn’t even have time to remember to eat?

Nellie Katherine Hale is used to dealing with problems as a school psychologist. However, none of her training could prepare her to help her sister escape a dangerous marriage. Then Nellie comes face to face with the handsome surgeon risking more than his reputation to help them.

Love is the last thing on Rowan’s mind until Nellie walks into the hospital. He wants to help her, not just because he’s a doctor, but because he’s finally found someone worth fighting for. As threats mount and hearts are on the line, can Rowan protect the woman he’s fallen for, or will Rowan and Nellie lose more than just their hearts?

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2026

About the author

Kathleen Brooks is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Kathleen's stories are romantic suspense featuring strong female heroines, humor, and happily-ever-afters. Her Bluegrass, Bluegrass Brothers®, Forever Bluegrass®, and Shadows Landing Series feature small-town charm with quirky characters while her Women of Power Series shows that behind every sexy billionaire is a man strong enough to love her! Then hang onto your seat for the wild and mysterious ride in the thrilling Web of Lies Series and a little magic in the Moonshine Hollow Series.

Kathleen is from Kentucky, where she graduated from Centre College and then later received her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Kathleen still resides in Kentucky with her family and houseful of animals.


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Book Order:
(Bluegrass Series-complete series)
Bluegrass State of Mind
Risky Shot
Dead Heat

(Bluegrass Brothers Series®-complete series)
Bluegrass Undercover
Rising Storm
Secret Santa, A Bluegrass Series Novella
Acquiring Trouble
Relentless Pursuit
Secrets Collide
Final Vow
All Hung Up, Novella
Bluegrass Dawn, Novella
The Perfect Gift, Novella
The Keeneston Roses

(Forever Bluegrass Series®-complete series)
Forever Entangled
Forever Hidden
Forever Betrayed
Forever Driven
Forever Secret
Forever Surprised, Novella
Forever Concealed
Forever Devoted
Forever Hunted
Forever Guarded
Forever Notorious
Forever Ventured
Forever Freed
Forever Saved
Forever Bold
Forever Thrown
Forever Lies
Forever Protected
Forever Paired
Forever Connected
Forever Covert
Forever Burning
Forever Lasting
Forever Country
Forever Remembered

(Bluegrass Fire Series-ongoing)
Spark

(Shadows Landing-complete series)
Saving Shadows
Sunken Shadows
Lasting Shadows
Fierce Shadows
Broken Shadows
Framed Shadows
Endless Shadows
Fading Shadows
Damaged Shadows
Escaping Shadows

(Shadows Landing: The Townsends- ongoing series)
Face-Off
Targeted
Rescued
Heated
Escaped
Fractured
Claimed

(Paige Turner Bookworm Series- complete)
Adventures of a Bookworm
Misadventures of a Bookworm
The Adventurous Bookworm

(Moonshine Hollow- complete series)
Moonshine and Murder
Moonshine and Malice
Moonshine and Mayhem
Moonshine and Mischief
Moonshine and Menace
Moonshine and Masquarades

(Web of Lies- complete)
Whispered Lies
Rogue Lies
Shattered Lies

(Women of Powe-complete)
Chosen for Power
Built for Power
Fashioned for Power
Destined for Power

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fractured: Shadows Landing: The Townsends #6

Totally absolutely love every book, series, characters in Kathleen Brooks stories…I have every book she has written which I frequently reread. Kathleen’s characters all have secrets to be discovered and the story of Rowan and Nellie is no exception. Of course in this book Damon is still meddling in his siblings lives and as the eldest, hopefully his siblings will take revenge and meddle in his! Love love the Townsends, Shadows Landing, and everybody who lives there and I am sure the ghosts also approve!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart hurts for Rowan and the pressure he puts himself under

He takes on the surgeries nobody else will, risks everything for just a two or three percent chance of success, but every success is a life saved. He has always been a workaholic, but Nell has such a positive impact on him, she helps him realise that the amazing team he built can be even better if he trains and supports them more, that looking after himself and taking time for himself means he is able to help more patients and her grand gesture at the end.... WOW! No other words...plenty of tears...but no words. She shows him just how loved he is and how grateful every parent and child are - even those whose kids he couldn't save. This event should definitely be a yearly celebration for Rowan and his team.
Not only is Nell amazing for Rowan, but she is awesome when it comes to protecting her sister, James Avery and Tally. She fights when her sister is too broken to fight for herself, then stands beside her in support once she gets back on her feet. This is a double treat as we not only get Rowan and Nell but we also get to see Gator find his girl too. And Gator is another WOW! We have seriously underestimated Gator over the years, but here the blinders are off and he sweeps us off our feet! He's a dark horse with surprising secrets, but such a good man and seeing him with Jamie and Tally will steal your heart.....so good! I LOVE IT! This is definitely my favourite Kathleen Brooks book of all time and I am really, really hoping that once we have had Pen and Damon's books we will get the Moretti family's books too....please, please, please! Surely they can start their own security company....or will we see them all sweep in and clear out the corrupt Charleston PD? So many possibilities, I can't wait!

[Julie Lindberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Fractured by Kathleen Brooks.

Every time I pick up one of her Shadow Landing books, it feels like coming home, and this one was no different. The characters in Shadow Landing, SC are always so fun, quirky, and lovable that by the end of the book they feel more like friends than fictional characters. That’s honestly the hardest part of finishing one of Kathleen Brooks’ books; having to leave Shadow Landing behind until the next visit.

This story had such a great balance of romance, friendship, suspense, and that wonderful found-family feeling that Kathleen Brooks writes so well. There were definitely some thrilling moments mixed in with the emotional ones, and of course the happily ever after made it all worth the ride. The relationships between the characters are what truly make this series special, and I loved getting to spend more time with everyone in the Townsend world.

One thing I appreciated was the author’s note at the beginning regarding domestic violence themes. Readers who may be triggered are given a clear warning before starting the story, which I thought was very thoughtful.

Overall, this was another enjoyable read for romance fans. Kathleen Brooks continues to be an auto-buy author for me because her books always leave me smiling, emotionally invested, and wishing the story didn’t have to end. If you love romance with humor, heart, suspense, and unforgettable characters, the Shadow Landing series is definitely worth reading.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heartfelt Story of Family, Love, and Second Chances

I have loved Kathleen Brooks books ever since discovering Bluegrass State of Mind, and Fractured is another wonderful addition to her stories.

Rowan has always focused on his career as a hardworking paediatric surgeon and never really allowed himself a life outside of work, something his family has always worried about. Nellie is fiercely protective of her sister, nephew, and niece, and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe — even if it means running from the life they know.

This is a heartfelt story about family struggles, love, loyalty, and finding strength in the people around you. One of the things I enjoyed most was seeing all the familiar families return and watching those relationships continue to grow and expand. Kathleen Brooks once again creates characters that feel warm, real, and easy to connect with. Truly a great story that keeps you invested from beginning to end.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Rowan Townsend will do anything to save a child. Even when he puts is own life in danger and he does that when he treats a young boy and believes his mother and aunt that she and her two children are in danger. He knows where they will be safe... Shadows Landing SC. Where a whole town will protect them... and even some alligators too.

Nellie Katherine Hale will take a change of Rowman Townsend when her sister and her children are in danger and she will so anything to protect them. As a school phycologist she knows something is wrong in her sisters home and that she needs to get her and the kids away from her narcissistic husband. And when Nellie and her family come in to the hospital and Dr. Rowan Townsend will more than treat her nephew, he will put his life on the line for them. Then she knows they are safe in hands and that of the whole town. What she did not see coming was the attraction and his whole family becoming involved in their relationship and right away jumping to conclusions. But love comes in unusual circumstances and that her heart could the most valuable thing in danger.

I loved this book so much. And I loved Gater's part in this story... Going to make you laugh, cry and sigh so much as Kathleen Brooks' books to. You will be cheering for the good guys and gals when the villains are put to rights.
I can't wait for the next book in the Shadow Landing and The Townsend family

[Mayas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am my sisters keeper

I know this was supposed to be Rowan book but Gator was a strong co-star. I enjoyed every page and Nellie, girl, you gave big little sister energy. I am happy Sue Ellen and the kids had you because your parent weren't worth a damn. I have hands for your mother and father at this point.

This book was about support and finding your strength after someone beats you down. Being true to you and doing what others will not regardless of the outcome. Standing in your purpose. Finding love on your terms. Starting over in a place that feeling more like home than home.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow, it’s not the story of R n N, it’s the side characters, G, T and S, a lovely group when growth up, step up for each other when no body does, now having their own family, hopefully, T will be with the lady, Emmy, in next Penelope’s.

the wonderful things of her is the description of the side characters, they are the one caught you follow the series coz u absolutely want to know what happens to them.

G, T, S are the good sample, now how about the blue brothers in NY? will they move to south and get their own stories? i hope so.

[Tereza · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are my guilty pleasure and I’m very invested in this town

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Rowan and Nellie!!!! Rowan is always busy at the hospital taking care of others and taking care of the cases no one else wants to take. He crosses path with Nellie as taking care of her sister and her niece and nephew. The protection instinct is strong and he decides to help them. Best decision he ever made. I loved their story, though I will say one of my favorite parts of the books is Gator's story. I absolutely love Gator, and I'm so happy he got his happily ever after!

Kathleen never shys away from tackling hard topics and there were some difficult topics in this book so be aware. She does have a message in the beginning of the book.

[Kathy Debevits McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me Kathleen Brooks is always 5 stars! I loved visiting Shadows Landing again, a place i wish was real and could meet all these wonderful, wacky people! Rowan’s story with Nell, Gator’s story with Sue Ellen, heck even Turtle may have a new love of his own. This book had me cheering, gasping, laughing out loud, and crying. It had it all. I’ll admit I even stretched out reading the end of the book because I didn’t want to leave. Now I can’t wait for December 2026 for Penelope and Nico‘s story, book 7!

[Brittany Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen has done it once again. This book was absolutely amazing. I laughed and cried during it. I was NOT prepared for Gator's story and cannot believe Kathleen pulled one over on us with Gator!!! Pretty sure he is my favorite in Shadow's Landing by far. His interactions with the kids was the best. I had a feeling he would be a big softie. So many fans were hoping for a single mom story line and although she wasn't quite single until partway through, I think Kathleen hit this out of the park fitting that ask of her fans. I cannot wait to re-read this. I cannot say enough good things about this book. Wish I could give it more than 5 stars.

[Andrea Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fractured

Ms. Brooks is one of my favorite authors. The way she tells a story is fantastic. Fractured is a story about Rowan, a pediatric surgeon and Nellie Katherine, a school counselor. They meet when Nellie’s nephew is injured running from her brother in law. In the meantime, Nellie’s sister, Sue Ellen, meets Gator and learns that some men are truly good guys. Can the town of Shadows Landing defend the ladies or will the evil force come between Nellie and Rowan or Sue Ellen and Gator’s happily ever after?

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowan has worked for years on cases that other doctors refused because they were so risky. Yet, he has not risked much for a romantic life. Nellie has worked for years as a school psychologist and as a protective sister. When her sister’s husband attempts to kill her, Nellie takes her sister and niece and nephew to Shadow’s Landing in an attempt to find safety. When her nephew is bitten by an alligator, they run into Gator who takes them to Rowan for medical help. Their story is beautifully written and I loved how the community embraced the whole family.

[Amanda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Kathleen has hit one out of the park. A perfect blend of suspense, romance and comedy.

Rowan was definitely in need of a partner to help him balance out the high stress and pain of his surgeon life and Nellie is looking like she fits the bill perfectly.

Definitely loved seeing some side characters getting some page time and more of their background being explained. So much depth to people who started as minor characters, some of which i definitely didn't see coming.

[Nancy Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Kathleen didn't disappoint Fractured was heart warming and funny showing how family and friends stick up for you and don't let you down from Blue Grass State Of Mind that started our journey to Keeneston to the Forever series and to Shadows Landing and the Faulkner and Townsends and all there friends. One you start reading these series you will want the next one right away.

[Eden Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to mark this as read just to leave an early review. Halfway in and Gator has me bawling like a baby.
I’ve been waiting for him to find his happiness and just to find out he doesn’t think highly of himself but has published articles on what he loves? Bawling.
Rowan and Nellie are cool too but I’ve been waiting for Gator and Skeeter, Turtle better be next 😭

Update after reading: Only further bawled like a baby. Something about this lady loves to make us cry at least once a book…(just me?)

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Kathleen Brooks books are outstanding, but Dr. Rowan Townsend's story really touches the heart because he tries to save the children no one else will attempt. I thought that when the stories she wrote about the town of Keeneston were complete that I would never feel that way again about a fictitious town.But Shadow's Landing, it turns out, is just as special. I cannot wait for the final Townsend's story to be told this December.

[Marjorie L Leavitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

MS Brooks always amazes me . The characters are so well developed they seem like real people. The story holds your attention and it smoothly flows. Dr Rowen brings home that doctors are human. They are not miracle workers. The women are strong but not obnoxious. The setting of Shadows Landing makes you wish it was real. It is a wonderful book, highly recommend it

[Lisa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowan Townsend a pediatric surgeon and Nellie Hale a school psychologist meet in unusual circumstances. Nell lives in a very small town in South Carolina, where everyone knowns each other. But one family has their hands in every part of town police department, mayor, and judge. However, one is married to her sister, he is abusive. She grabs her sister and attempt to leave town. Along the way Nellie encounters Rowan. Good story.

[Melissa’s Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

book 6 - Rowan helps Nellie and her sister Sue Ellen

Sue Ellen has 2 kids and married to a Judge and his father the Mayor and cousin the Sheriff. So when they break the law what you do? who can help? Nellie took her sister and kids away to Shadow Landing, where they found Gator(s), doctors, FBI, and a community that made them feel loved and at home. What an adventure they have before they correct the original problem. Great story.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fractured — Kathleen Brooks (⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️)

When Nellie goes into hiding with her sister, niece and nephew, she never expected to land in a place like Shadows Landing where family and friends come first and everyone knows how to fight with a sword.

Although these are very predictable romance reads. These characters became comfort reads along time ago and I can’t stop reading them.

What I liked: Side characters
What could have been better: Predictable
Would I recommend? Maybe

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

First - read the author's note as it has important information that may apply to you.
Second - loved this book. Kathleen took a very serious topic and wrote it with realism, healing, and humor. Cheers to the heroes in the book, which are many, both men and women - young and old. Now, where is Shadow's Landing? I want to move there!

[Linda DeAngelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

The problem with Kathleen’s books are that they are so good you can’t put them down and you read them in one sitting and then have to wait for months for the next one! Rowan and Nellie’s story was fantastic. Also loved that Gator was included and that we learned more about him!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE WHOLE PACKAGE!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Reading Kathleen’s books are like opening a Christmas present. They are full of hope, love, fun, laughter, and a few bad guys getting their butts whooped. They have it all and you can’t help but keep the pages turning and wish you were sitting right in the middle of the chaos! 💕💕💕

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen Brooks has hit anothre one out of the park. This book is tense, exciting, hilarious, and a great read all rolled into one! We meet so many of the Shadows Landing regulars and find out more about some of them. It's not only Dr. Rowan Townsend's love story, but some others meet their true loves. I loved reading every word of it. Thank you, Kathleen Brooks, you never disappoint!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story. Love in the most unexpected way. I love the fact the gator got his HEA and we now know who he really is and his backstory! Just wish bubba would have gotten to end Ingram or at least get an appendage! The visit by Henry was hysterical and glad HD hasn't changed. Looking forward to Penelope's book

[Nancy Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book was awesome

Am not sure how many times I said OMG or holy cow!
This book was totally great
1 of my favorite characters found love and his family
So many wonderful surprises!

[Sheila Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

another fabulous Shadows Landing book

Another fabulous book in the Shadows Landing series. Read it one sitting. Fun and suspenseful at the same time. As usual, great story on an important topic

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Love Shadows Landing! Such a cool town and such Interesting characters. I like how the author keeps adding new people and families to the group, yet we still hear from old favorites. Loved seeing Henry and his one liners! Lots of fun!

[Tracey Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

be prepared to binge this one.

Freaking amazing as always. Love that this was a twofer with the main romance and a little something on the side for our beloved Gator as well.
Shadows Landing is a special place. ❤️